I've been wanting to make me some marigold simple syrup for awhile now. National Margarita Day seemed like the right excuse to do it. 

We've had soooooo much rain here in SoCal recently (which is AWESOME), but it's really made me realize just how much I depend on being in the garden...not only to cultivate ingredients, but also to photograph, and, most importantly, to unwind in. There hasn't been much of that lately. But today is the first really lovely, sunny day we've had in awhile...and as much as everything is rather waterlogged and squishy out there--I just wanted to be out in it today.

So I decided to make a very garden-oriented margarita. Starting with that simple syrup. To make a small batch of it, you'll need:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 cup marigold petals

Start by combining the sugar and water in a pot over medium heat. Just as the sugar has fully dissolved, add in your marigold petals and stir to thoroughly combine. Now let the whole thing come to a boil, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about a minute, then remove from heat, cover, and let steep for about a half hour (the longer you let it steep, the stronger the flavor will be). When it has cooled, strain it through a fine mesh strainer into a clean jar. The simple syrup has a really lovely fragrance and color, and tastes something like sweet tea. Pretty interesting!

T H E   G A R D E N R I T A

Now for the cocktail--to make one:

• 3 oz. silver tequila

• 2 oz. fresh lime juice

• 1/2 oz. chartreuse

• 1/2 oz. marigold simple syrup

• The petals from two small marigold blossoms (to muddle)

• Lime wedge, coarse salt, and lemon thyme leaves for rim

• Two marigold blossoms for garnish

• A hefty sprig of lemon thyme for garnish

• A slice of lime for garnish

Prep your glass by running a lime rim around the edge, and pressing it into a salt and thyme leave mixture to rim. Add your marigold petals to the bottom of the glass and muddle just until they release their fragrance. Fill glass with ice.

Next, add tequila, lime juice, chartreuse, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain mixture into your prepped glass and garnish with lime, marigold blossoms, and thyme sprig.

It's mandatory that this drink be enjoyed in the garden. Even if the garden is a tad squishy.

Hope you're drinking margaritas on National Margarita Day. Don't let me down.